Assalam Alaikum,
My heart swells with profound gratitude and awe as we celebrate not just an anniversary but a remarkable milestone that embodies our dreams, struggles, and triumphs. Yes, dear community, it’s been 25 years—a quarter-century—for our beloved Sunday School of Masjid E Jamea, also proudly known as the Islamic Society of East Bay (ISEB).
We started from very humble beginnings, opening our doors with just 15 eager students and three committed teachers. We had no books and no funds. I remember making copies of the pages that our teachers were going to use for teaching. Despite the meager resources, we didn’t lack the zeal and fervor. We persevered, driven by our mission to instill a deep understanding of our Deen as described in the Quran and Sunnah of our Prophet (PBUH) in our community’s children. While our Masjid had seen attempts to establish Sunday Schools before, ours has been the first to find lasting success, Alhamdulillah.
During our earliest years, the journey was anything but easy. Imagine a school with no summer holidays—a year-round educational marathon. It was grueling, but the hardships we faced laid the cornerstone for a lasting institution. By thethird
year, we transitioned to a more traditional academic calendar, allowing for a two-month summer break, and accommodating our community’s travel and break time.
There were times when our finances hung by a thread when it seemed like the weight of our ambitions would overwhelm us. Yet, it was in those most challenging moments that we found our deepest strength in our unwavering faith in Allah (SWT). Through that faith, we achieved what others said was impossible: becoming the only Sunday School in the area to offer paid positions for our teachers and teaching assistants. It was a breakthrough moment, a watershed that set a new standard.
To honor the incredible sacrifice and commitment of our teachers, TAs, and volunteers, we established an annual Appreciation Day. This semi-formal dinner event is an evening of unity and recognition, complete with quizzes, prizes, fun activities and service awards for teachers who reached a milestone of 5yrs and 10yrs + that extends beyond mere financial rewards. Our Annual Day and community picnics have also been instrumental in building a sense of belonging and community, featuring live entertainment, student performances, and delicious local cuisine.
One of our most impactful initiatives has been the Teaching Assistants (TAs) Program. This program serves as a bridge for our Level 8 graduates to apply what they’ve learned in a real-world context. Imagine the pride in seeing our own graduates return to become the teachers of tomorrow.
The pandemic years tested our mettle like never before, shrinking our student body by nearly half. But we fought back, and Alhamdulillah, today we stand unwavering with over 200 committed students and a passionate team of over 35 staff members. We are not just a school; we are a family bound by respect, love and a shared mission that transcends textbooks. Today, Alhamdulillah, we are seen as an example of discipline, academic rigor, and unparalleled dedication.
As I reflect on our transformative quarter-century, challenges like internal politics and financial constraints remind me of the trials we’ve faced. Yet, here we are—a living testament to what can be achieved with strong faith and community support.
Looking forward, my prayers are for the continued success and growth of our Sunday School to build a strong foundation for our community’s future. May Allah grant us the strength to continue serving Him and our community for many more years to come.
JazakAllah Khairan for being the heartbeat of this extraordinary journey. United, we will reach new heights, break new ground, and continue to light up the future, InshaAllah.
Jazak Allah Khair,
Raffath Shareef
Principal
ISEB Sunday School
Knowledge is light and Ignorance is darkness